JEA Wins Tennessee's Best Tasting Water Award

Press Release: February 8th, 2007

The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) held the Region Eleven “Best Tasting Water Contest” at the Memphis Light Gas and Water Training Facility on Thursday, February 8, 2007. Water and Wastewater Operations Superintendent, Tony Fitts of Jackson Energy Authority submitted the utility’s water sample allowing Jackson Energy Authority the award of Best Tasting Water in Region Eleven.

TAUD Region Eleven consists of: Chester, Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton counties.

Eight different utilities from Region Eleven submitted samples of their drinking water for competition. The utilities that entered the contest were: Jackson Energy Authority, City of Covington, City of Gallaway, City of Munford, First Utility District of Tipton County, Lexington Water System, Parsons Water System, and Memphis Light Gas and Water.

Bish Thomas of Rural Development, Drew Julian of United Utilities, Roy Conley with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Jackson Field Office, and WREG Channel 3 Anchor Richard Ransom participated as judges for the contest. The drinking water samples were judged on their clarity, bouquet, and taste.

TAUD will be conducting the Best Tasting Water in Tennessee Contest in each of the eleven regions in the next few months. The winner of each region will be submitted in a statewide competition at TAUD’s 50th Annual Meeting in Chattanooga next June. The statewide winner will then compete in Washington, D.C. for the Best Tasting Water in America. The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts is the oldest rural water association in the nation and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007. TAUD serves as a source of training, technical assistance, and acts as a legislative liaison to the over 400 water, wastewater, and natural gas utility members within the state.